Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Murray.
Hi Heather, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as a physician associate began in primary care, where I developed a strong foundation in caring for the whole person and understanding how different aspects of health are interconnected. Over the past six years, I have found my passion in dermatology, where I am able to combine my expertise and keen attention to detail to care for patients.
Today, I practice both medical and cosmetic dermatology and have the privilege of caring for a diverse range of patients. From treating acne and eczema and performing skin cancer screenings to providing injectables and laser treatments, I enjoy helping patients feel confident and comfortable in their skin.
My holistic training has shaped the way I approach each patient. Rather than simply treating a symptom, I strive to understand the underlying factors contributing to a condition and work collaboratively with my patients to find more rooted, sustainable solutions. For me, dermatology is about more than the skin—it is about seeing the whole person and helping each patient achieve healthier skin and a greater sense of confidence. The skin is a window to the body’s internal health and overall wellness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Becoming a physician associate was a journey that challenged me in ways I never expected. The path required dedication, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning, but each challenge helped shape the provider I am today. After completing my training and becoming a PA, I knew I wanted to continue growing and find an area of medicine where I could build meaningful, long-term relationships with my patients.
My path into dermatology took me across the country. I moved to Colorado to begin my career in dermatology, stepping into a new environment and embracing the opportunity to learn a specialty that quickly became a passion. Dermatology challenged me to think differently, develop a highly specialized skill set, and appreciate the connection between a patient’s physical health, confidence, and quality of life.
Starting over in a new state and building my career from the ground up was not always easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. Those experiences taught me to be adaptable, persistent, and confident in my abilities while remaining humble enough to always keep learning.
Eventually, my journey brought me back home to North Carolina. Returning to the place that feels like home while bringing with me years of experience in dermatology has been especially meaningful. Today, I continue to grow in my specialty and strive to provide thoughtful, individualized care to every patient I meet.
I am board-certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and am a Diplomate Fellow of the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates. These accomplishments represent more than credentials to me—they reflect the commitment I have made to continually advance my knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the highest level of dermatologic care.
Looking back, the challenges, the move to Colorado, the years of learning, and the journey back to North Carolina have all been important parts of my story. They have shaped not only the physician associate I am, but also the kind of provider I strive to be: knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to helping each patient feel truly seen and cared for.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a physician associate specializing in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. My approach to patient care is rooted in looking at the whole person rather than focusing solely on the skin. I incorporate holistic principles and lifestyle medicine into my practice to help patients understand the connection between their overall health, wellness, and skin. When I use the word holistic, I don’t mean it as a trendy term. To me, holistic care simply means looking at the patient as a whole person—not just the skin condition sitting in front of me. Skin is often a reflection of what is happening within the body, as well as a person’s environment, lifestyle, stress, nutrition, sleep, and overall wellness. Taking the time to understand those factors allows me to look beyond simply treating a symptom and consider the bigger picture.
My goal is to combine evidence-based dermatology with a thoughtful understanding of the individual sitting in front of me. I want my patients to feel that they are being truly seen and heard, while also receiving knowledgeable, medically appropriate care. For me, holistic medicine is not about replacing traditional medicine—it is about expanding the lens through which I practice it.
I treat a wide range of medical dermatologic conditions, including acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and skin cancer screenings. I also practice cosmetic dermatology, offering treatments such as lasers, energy-based devices, and injectables to help patients achieve natural, healthy-looking results.
What I am most proud of is the way I consistently take the time to see my patients as individuals. I believe that understanding a patient’s lifestyle, goals, and overall wellness can be just as important as treating their conditions. I strive to look beyond the immediate concern and consider the factors that may be contributing to a patient’s skin health, allowing us to work together toward meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and my genuine desire to give every patient the best possible outcome. I approach each patient with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to personalized care. Whether I am treating a medical condition or performing a cosmetic procedure, my goal is always to combine clinical expertise with a thoughtful, individualized approach so that my patients feel heard, cared for, and confident in their treatment plan.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am not immune to the risks I talk to my patients about every day. I’ve had my share of sunburns, and I’ve also had a precancerous mole myself. Experiencing that personally has given me an even greater appreciation for the importance of prevention, paying attention to changes in your skin, and getting regular skin checks.
I share this not to create fear, but to remind my patients that sun damage and skin cancer can affect anyone—even those of us who spend our careers educating others about skin health. We can’t go back and erase the sun exposure we’ve had, but we can make different choices moving forward. Daily sun protection, knowing your skin, and having concerning or changing lesions evaluated can make a meaningful difference.
My own experience has also made me more compassionate toward patients who may feel embarrassed about their past sun exposure. I’ve been there. My goal is never to judge someone for what happened in the past, but to help them understand their skin, protect it going forward, and feel empowered to take care of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.noorderm.com/
- Instagram: heatherlyskin_pac
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@skinsideoutpodcast
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/noor-dermatology-and-aesthetics-cary
